Industry Collaboration, a Strong Application Focus and a Vibrant Research Environment: PhD Research at THM University of Applied Sciences

Meet Two of Our PhD Candidates Who Decided to Pursue Their Career at THM University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen

A strong academic foundation in engineering, close industry collaboration, and the opportunity to work with and learn from leading experts in their field is what has led Manisha and Murat to pursue their PhD at the Research Campus of Central Hessen in Germany. Despite initial challenges like learning German and securing funding, they thrive in Germany's supportive and innovative research environment. Read more on their paths to Germany and learn in the video interview what makes research at THM University of Applied Sciences in Prof. Boris Keil's research group unique:

Mert Murat Kurt

Why did you decide to pursue your PhD in Germany?
After gaining nearly five years of industry experience, I decided to pursue a PhD. While working at Siemens Healthineers in Istanbul, I became familiar with German culture and discipline, and I appreciated this work environment. Germany’s strong academic foundation in engineering and science, along with its close collaboration with industry, were key factors in my decision to pursue a PhD here. Additionally, my brother has been living in Germany for a decade and studied Automotive Engineering, which played a significant role in my decision.

What are the advantages and challenges of doing a PhD in Germany?

Pursuing a PhD in Germany offers a strong research infrastructure, industry collaboration, financial support, and an international academic environment. However, it requires independent work, self-motivation, and discipline. Learning German may also be necessary for workshops or discussions, posing an initial challenge.

Why did you decide to pursue your PhD specifically at Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen - University of Applied Sciences?

I chose to pursue my PhD at THM primarily due to my strong interest in MRI coil development, which led me to Prof. Dr. Boris Keil. When I discovered that he was looking for a PhD student, I decided to take this opportunity and move to Germany. Prof. Keil has made globally recognized contributions to coil R&D and leads one of the best-equipped labs in this field with a highly skilled team. After visiting the lab and discussing the opportunity with him, I was convinced that THM was the ideal place for my PhD. 

Manisha Shrestha 

Why did you decide to pursue your PhD in Germany?

I originally came to Germany to pursue my bachelor's degree, without initially considering a doctorate. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to take an Electronic Circuits course with Prof. Dr. Keil, which led to a position as a student assistant in his research group. While working alongside doctoral candidates on various projects related to MRI coil hardware design and construction, I developed a deep interest in the field. I further explored this passion by conducting both my bachelor's and master's thesis projects under Prof. Dr. Keil's supervision, focusing on MRI coil research and development. By the end of my master’s, my enthusiasm for MRI hardware engineering had grown significantly, leading me to pursue a doctorate in this field at THM.

What are the advantages and challenges of doing a PhD in Germany?

As a doctoral candidate in Germany, one of the biggest advantages is the freedom to pursue my research interests independently. I have the opportunity to work autonomously on my project while benefiting from state-of-the-art laboratories and well-equipped research facilities. Additionally, Germany is home to world-class universities and research institutes, which foster strong networking opportunities and collaborations between research groups. However, one of the challenges I have faced is securing funding for the duration of my doctoral studies, as financial support can be limited and competitive.

Why did you decide to pursue your PhD specifically at Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen - University of Applied Sciences?

My strong interest in MRI hardware engineering motivated me to continue my research at Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM). The opportunity to work under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Keil and his research group presented an ideal environment to deepen my expertise and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Are you interested in pursuing a PhD in Engineering in Central Hessen? Check out our Graduate Centre for Engineering Sciences!